Bishop Samuel A. Layne was born July 13, 1919, the second of eight children. He assumed the position as pastor of the Temple Church of Christ upon the death of his father, the late Bishop Austin Augustus Layne, Sr. in October 1967. At the age of 9, he was baptized and received the Holy Ghost; at age 16, he became youth leader in the church; at age 27, he was called to the ministry. His wife of 45 years, Elvie J. Layne, preceeded him in death on january 29, 1997. She was baptized May 20, 1926.

Bishop Layne also took the young people to heart. He organized the first Inter-City Young People's Fellowship throughout the St. Louis area, among Pentecostal Churches; he served in the capacity of General Treasurer of the Pentecostal Assemblies of the World, Inc. Bishop Layne was a graduate of the St. Louis Publis Schools, and majored in Music at Kansas University and Northwestern University. He applied his education and training in the music field to serve the Lord.

In 1963, Bishop Layne was elected as the first Assistant Pastor of the Temple Church of Christ by the membership. Four years later, after the death of his father he became pastor and overseer of the church. He continued preaching holiness and truth throughout the years. In the mid-70's he began weekly radio broadcasts in which he was able to reach a broader listening audience. He held various offices throughout the years. He served as National General Treasurer of the Pentecostal Assemblies of the World. He was also appointed as District Elder.

In August, 1980 he was elevated to the office of Bishop at the National General Convention in Miami, Florida. Bishop Layne was then appointed to the office of Diocesan of the 36th Episcopal District of the Eastern Caribbean District Council of the P.A.W. In October, 1987 he was appointed Diocesan of the 14th Episcopal District. He also served as the director of the International Pentecostal Young People's Union of the P.A.W.

Bishop Samuel A. Layne was a dynamic preacher and Bible teacher; always encouraging the younger generation. His wife served faithfully at his side as his personal Secretary. Bishop Layne dedicated his life to teaching and preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ to further the "movement" of Pentecost. He reached out, touching lives through his ministry; always encouraging young people and the younger ministers coming up and told them the phrase that was quoted to him by his father, "Coat the Lions tongue with honey and stay out of the way of his teeth."

Bishop Layne was the pastor and overseer of the Temple Church of Christ for 30 years. Throughout his ministry, many souls were added to the church. He died June 11, 1997. Bishop Layne and his wife proved to be true saints of God with the essence of God through faith and devotion, which had greatly reflected in their spiritual lives.